Modularization of genetic elements promotes synthetic metabolic engineering

Biotechnol Adv. 2015 Nov 15;33(7):1412-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2015.04.002. Epub 2015 Apr 11.

Abstract

In the context of emerging synthetic biology, metabolic engineering is moving to the next stage powered by new technologies. Systematical modularization of genetic elements makes it more convenient to engineer biological systems for chemical production or other desired purposes. In the past few years, progresses were made in engineering metabolic pathway using synthetic biology tools. Here, we spotlighted the topic of implementation of modularized genetic elements in metabolic engineering. First, we overviewed the principle developed for modularizing genetic elements and then discussed how the genetic modules advanced metabolic engineering studies. Next, we picked up some milestones of engineered metabolic pathway achieved in the past few years. Last, we discussed the rapid raised synthetic biology field of "building a genome" and the potential in metabolic engineering.

Keywords: DNA assembly; Modularity engineering; Modularization; Synthetic biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA* / chemistry
  • DNA* / genetics
  • DNA* / metabolism
  • Gene Components / genetics*
  • Genomics / methods
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Engineering / methods*
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Synthetic Biology / methods*

Substances

  • DNA